Cardiac electrophysiologists at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital have introduced a new procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common abnormal heart rhythm in the United States, affecting over eight million people. The hospital recently performed its first pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedures for patients with AFib.
Dr. Ralph DeBiasi, an electrophysiologist at the L+M Heart and Vascular Center and assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine at Yale School of Medicine, led the effort. PFA is a minimally invasive treatment that can be completed in one to two hours, offering shorter procedure times compared to traditional radiofrequency or cryoablation methods. Patients may also experience less inflammation and potentially faster recovery.
Ablation involves delivering energy through a small catheter in the heart to eliminate abnormal electrical signals. The PFA technique uses short electrical pulses to target cells responsible for triggering AFib while sparing surrounding structures.
“Pulsed field ablation represents an exciting advancement in the treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said Dr. DeBiasi. “This technology allows us to treat patients more efficiently, with less impact on surrounding tissue, and potentially faster recovery times. Our goal is always to provide the safest and most effective care for patients living with AFib.”
AFib poses significant health risks if left untreated, including life-threatening complications. About one in four adults over 40 are at risk for developing AFib, but roughly one-third of those affected are unaware they have it until complications arise. Symptoms can include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, lightheadedness or fatigue; some individuals may have no symptoms and only discover their condition during routine exams.
The PFA procedure is also available at Bridgeport, Greenwich and Yale New Haven hospitals as part of Yale New Haven Health’s regional offerings.
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital has served southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island since 1912 as a non-profit general and acute care facility with 308 beds. It provides a range of cardiac services including emergency and elective angioplasty.
